Washington — Business Roundtable today announced that Jamie Dimon, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of JPMorgan Chase & Co., has been named Chairman. He will serve a two-year term from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2018.
Dimon succeeds Doug Oberhelman, Chairman & CEO of Caterpillar, Inc., who is retiring as Caterpillar CEO on December 31, 2016.
“Jamie is one of the most accomplished business leaders in America,” Oberhelman said. “He is a strong and positive force for sound economic policies and the need for a diverse and skilled workforce. His depth of understanding and optimistic vision of America’s future make him exactly the right person to lead Business Roundtable to work with the new Administration and Congress.”
“It is an honor to be selected to lead Business Roundtable,” Dimon said. “Given the quality and diversity of its membership, the organization is uniquely positioned to advocate for meaningful solutions that create economic growth and opportunity for all. With a new President and Congress soon to take office, there is a real opportunity for Business Roundtable to be a positive influence and show how business plays a critical role in this growth.
“The results of the U.S. election reflected in some part the frustration that so many people have with the lack of economic opportunity and the challenges they face. By helping to bridge the divide between political parties and working collaboratively to find solutions, Business Roundtable can play a key role in fostering economic mobility and sustained growth. Working together, the business community and government can foster a healthy and vibrant business climate that creates opportunity for everyone in this country.
“I want to thank Doug for his leadership at Business Roundtable and as an effective advocate for what’s best for the country — a strong economy, people working in good-paying jobs and a business climate that supports investment and innovation.”
Business Roundtable is an association of 192 CEOs of America’s leading companies crossing all sectors of the economy. Dimon joined in 2009 and currently serves on its Executive Committee. He is a member of three committees: Education and Workforce, Smart Regulation and Tax and Fiscal Policy.
Dimon became Chairman of the Board of JPMorgan Chase on December 31, 2006, and has been CEO since December 31, 2005. He was President and Chief Operating Officer following JPMorgan Chase’s merger with Bank One Corporation in July 2004.
Under Dimon’s leadership, JPMorgan Chase is investing $325 million in skills development around the world to better align the skills of job seekers and the needs of employers. The company has also committed $100 million to Detroit over five years to support the city’s recovery and strengthen its communities. To support distressed neighborhoods, JPMorgan Chase launched the PRO Neighborhoods initiative, a $125 million, five-year initiative to address key drivers of inequality and identify and support solutions for the unique challenges facing disadvantaged neighborhoods in U.S. cities. Finally, JPMorgan Chase recently announced an hourly wage increase for about 18,000 U.S. employees and further investment in training entry-level employees to promote economic opportunity within the company.
Earlier this year, Business Roundtable released a plan for stronger economic growth and job creation. For more information on the Roundtable plan to create more momentum for America, see www.BRT.org/growth.